S2 Ep.3: MEN’S SHEDS | Phil Johnson, Managing Director for the US Men’s Sheds

Men’s Sheds, an international phenomenon, with thousands of clubs worldwide, are mainly ‘clubs for older guys’. They provide a place for older men to meet, build friendships and projects, pursue their interests, learn new things, and discuss health issues. In these places, there is a comfort level to talk while working “Shoulder to Shoulder”.

We listen to PHIL JOHNSON, the Managing Director and catalyst behind the Men’s Sheds movement in the United States, as he tells us about the transformative effect the Men’s Sheds have had on retired and elder men’s lives.

Phil Johnson Bio

Prior to starting the Men’s Sheds movement in the United States, Phil Johnson had a long career in aerospace technology and software development. Phil was formerly a Jet Pilot in the Marine Corps and holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering. He has 40 years of experience in forming and growing non-profit organizations in education, sports, human rights, youth programs and senior wellness. When he retired, building on the success of the Men’s Sheds organization in Australia, he began the growing movement in the United States. He is currently the Managing Director for the US Men’s Sheds and was recently recognized by AARP with the “50 over 50” Award for his efforts in organizing the US Men’s Sheds Association.

Websites: US Men’s Sheds      
Articles: Men's Sheds Information Booklet and Contact Information
Social Media: Instagram: US Men's Sheds
Facebook: US Men's Sheds

TRANSCRIPT EXCERPT

“…but with men sheds, it was decided that the people in control would be the men members of the men's shed. So, the national office wouldn't dictate what you call your shed, what the ages were, what you did there, or what you couldn't do there. Basically they said let's leave it to the local members. And, an interesting thing to me is, many times men have women in their lives who like to organize things for them. One of the issues with men sheds, it's not hard for a well-meaning wife or daughter of a man who says, oh, you guys need to organize better, and come in and straighten up everything in the shed. You get my point.  It really requires that men take control and manage the shed themselves. We have had some women who have helped provide facilities to start men's sheds around the country. But the women that help with that many times are like senior center coordinators. They basically set up the space, and the men take it from there.”

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